As Ethiopian journalists are hunted down one by one the world stands by and does nothing. "Five [ ] convicted of conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, which carries a sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment or death, as well as of participating in a terrorist organization. They were also convicted of money laundering under the Ethiopian criminal code" reads today's news. Of course, none of that is true. Further, these are new and custom-made laws that came into effect a little over a year ago for the express purpose of creating fear in the hearts of activists and the people at large. This is the government's method of eliminating opposition - any opposition. Many journalists realizing the futility of finding justice in Meles Zenawi's court system have chosen [and encouraged] to leave their homeland; Ethiopia now leads the world with the number of exiled journalists rising to close to a hundred!
Few seem to understand how the law works in Ethiopia. Just because a defendant is paraded in public and shows up in court does not mean he or she will be fairly treated. The particular judge for the a particular case is assigned by the government and could only decide according to the wishes of the government [meaning the Prime Minister]. We've said this before and will repeat it here: If you want to know which way a judgment will go just watch the Prime Minister's speech in Parliament or listen to his interviews. Evidences are routinely corrupted and witnesses "hired" on the basis of a plea bargain when deemed necessary! You remember the case of the two Swedes who were in the Ogaden in June of last year and accused of being terrorists? The video rolls confiscated from them was doctored to make it appear they collaborated with terrorists. That charge was quickly dropped because the Swedes could demand international technology experts [apart from Ethiopian gov] verify the 'evidence'. Another interesting point in today's news is that "money-laundering" is exactly what Ethiopian leaders are being accused of - with 11.7 billion illicit transfer of money so far according the 2011 Financial Integrity Report!! And nobody is talking about that. Now you know why these journalists were courageous to point out that dark secret and suffer for it.
Europeans Killed, Kidnapped
Now onto the news of the four kidnapped [2 Germans, 2 Ethiopians] and the five [2 Germans, 2 Hungarians, 1 Austrian] killed during a raid in the Afar Region of Ethiopia two days ago. First we want to extend our deep sympathies to families of the dead and the kidnapped. Leaving aside the accusations and counter-accusations between Prime Minister Meles and President Isaias [Eritrea] we want to raise two serious observations. One, How could we be sure the wrong persons are not brought to justice? That officials of Afar Regional State will not collaborate with the Federal government to hand over citizens they want to be rid of? Let us not forget there is a group in opposition to the government of Mr. Meles operating in the Afar region. Second, Will independent journalists have a chance to interview the kidnapped? We are talking especially of Ethiopian captives. In a similar incident four years ago, kidnapped Ethiopians were released several weeks later [after the din had died down] unceremoniously and probably warned to not talk to anyone! Someone in the government needs to respond unambiguously to this. One final thought: someone needs to document or the victims encouraged to come forward to tell the world if Ethiopian activists were tortured or in any way physically assaulted while in jail/solitary confinement.
In the meantime we demand the unconditional release of Eskinder Negga, Reeyot Alemu, Woubshet and all prisoners of conscience!
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